Townships in South Africa came about as a result of apartheid city-planning policies, which excluded ‗non-white‘ people from living in the suburbs of the city. They were forcibly moved to peripheral areas on the edge of the city, where they had to live in harsh conditions and cope with extreme poverty. Although apartheid may have ended with the birth of democracy on April 26, 1994, when all races were allowed to vote, many people still face harsh conditions from the consequences of poverty. Despite these conditions, the townships are filled with a strong sense of community, vibrancy and faith. There is a growing sense of hope as many redefine their futures within and beyond the boundaries of the township.

TamboVillage is a community located within the GugulethuTownship. As a small, contained community where everyone knows each other and lives within walking distance, Tambo is an ideal location to experience a homestay. This homestay project is fully-embraced by the community; it is owned and operated by community members. They have a vested interest in the comfort and safety of their guests.

The accommodations in Tambo are simple. The houses are built out of brick and mortar and have running water, flush toilets and electricity. Geysers (water heaters) are not standard; bathing in some houses is either with cold water or with water heated up on the stove.

Participants registered in this program will share a room with another SAS participant within the family home and must be prepared to share a double bed. This is a separate room from where the family sleeps. All linen and bedding is provided. Meals are prepared and provided

by the host family. The food quality is excellent and special dietary needs may be catered for on request. Please note: At the village‘s request, this trip is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Millard Fuller believed that, ―We have the know-how in the world to house everyone. We have the resources in the world to house everyone. All that's missing is the will to do it.‖ In 1976, this lawyer and businessman from Alabama started Habitat for Humanity International. Thirty years later, Habitat for Humanity‘s impact is colossal, reaching 100 countries across the globe. In 1998, Habitat began building houses for people in need in Cape Town. Habitat‘s mission ―is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness over the world.‖ It takes more than desire, sweat and hard work to embrace this mission and build a Habitat house. The cost to build a brick house with electricity and indoor plumbing in South Africa is approximately US$13,000. During this service project, you will be working alongside South Africans in a nearby township. In partnership with Habitat, the future homeowners will also be there. Homeowner families are chosen according to their need and their ability to repay the no-interest mortgage.

A typical day begins with a welcome from the Habitat team and some instruction on the

activities of the day. This is followed by a morning work session, lunch and then an afternoon work session. Supervision on site is provided by an experienced local builder. Lunch and tea are provided by the homeowners. Please note: The price of this practicum is based on roundtrip transportation to and from the site. The actual cost for this Habitat build (US$2,000) is courtesy of the SAS Annual Fund.

Operation Hunger is an NGO whose mission is ―to create partnerships between vulnerable households and caring people to combat malnutrition which, when suffered by children, undermines the nation‘s health, education and economic potential.‖ The objectives are to improve the nutritional well-being of the poor; promote the dissemination of knowledge about poverty and malnutrition in South Africa; improve existing facilities to reduce malnutrition in South Africa and to render financial assistance to develop such programs; cooperate with communities, organizations and authorities to combat malnutrition; and publicize and promote the objectives via lectures, exhibitions, meetings, conferences, pamphlets, newspapers, books, leaflets, radio, television and films. Operation Hunger‘s integrated development program includes locally managed growth-monitoring programs, targeted food support, water supply, sanitation facilities, health/hygiene education, income generation and livelihood programs, agriculture and food production.

The staff of Operation Hunger provided the following vivid description for this visit: You will visit the squatter camps on the outskirts of Cape Town, filled with people mainly from the Transkei and Ciskei, who come to the big city at a rate of 10,000 per month, in search of non-existent work. On arrival, these people are already malnourished. They find no land, no shelter, no work and no means by which to return ―home.‖ So they set up shacks made out of plastic, tin, cardboard or anything else they can find. Through Operation Hunger, women in the community have established feeding programs—setting up their pots of soup in the dusty little lanes and in all the crèches. About 50 kilometers outside Cape Town, in the beautiful wine lands; you will

also visit the children of farm workers who are part of Operation Hunger‘s feeding program for malnourished children. Most farmers in the wealthy wine lands area are paid an absolute pittance in exchange for 12 hours of hard labor. While the parents are out picking, child minding and feeding are nonexistent. Women in the community have set up street kitchens to feed the children. The day‘s activities will include visits to several townships such as Spandau, GreenPark and Chris Hani, and an opportunity to witness the efforts of Operation Hunger.

Please note: The price for this practicum includes a small donation to Operation Hunger. Box lunches from the ship will be provided.